Building Issues & Current Use

Critical Building Issues

Since the mid-1990s, multiple studies have identified significant problems at City Hall, including seismic vulnerabilities, deteriorating unreinforced parapets, inadequate shear walls, aging building systems and ADA accessibility limitations. These issues affect safety, functionality and long-term usability.

Simply bringing the building up to current standards would likely require partial demolition and reconstruction for seismic upgrades, along with major mechanical, electrical, plumbing and accessibility improvements. As a designated historic resource, such work would require review under the City’s Historic Rehabilitation and Design Standards, including oversight by the State Historic Preservation Office, the City’s Historic Preservation Advisory Committee and potentially the City’s Planning Commission.

In 2020, restoration and partial reconstruction were estimated at $7.2 million; adjusted to 2026 dollars, costs exceed $10 million. A bond to finance the needed construction went before the voters in 2020 but was voted down.

The 2024–2025 Facilities Master Plan identifies the building as being in critical condition and recommends divestment and adaptive reuse following the failed bond measure. The Plan supports consolidating services into a unified Civic Campus to improve public access, operational efficiency and long-term resource allocation. Transitioning existing downtown properties to new uses could strengthen economic vitality and reduce parking pressures. Two sites under consideration are Briscoe Elementary School and the Service Center at 90 North Mountain Avenue.


Current Use of the Building

City Hall is currently not in use due to safety concerns. Prior to February 2026, City Hall housed 13 administrative employees from the City Manager's Office, Human Resources, and the Legal Department. Prior to an HVAC and mold-related issue in 2020, the building housed up to 28 employees.

Temporary Relocation of Administrative Staff 

Administrative staff have temporarily relocated due to safety concerns identified during a recent Commercial Building Code inspection and the Fire Marshal's General Fire Inspection report (PDF). The building has been deemed unsafe for occupancy pending further evaluation by a licensed engineer.

Multiple studies conducted since 1994 have identified significant structural and safety concerns, including unreinforced and deteriorating parapets; the absence of shear walls; the potential for the building to slide toward East Main Street during a seismic event; outdated HVAC, electrical and roofing systems; and unresolved ADA compliance issues. 

Staff Locations across the City

Other City departments and staff are currently distributed across 21 facilities throughout Ashland. The relocation of administrative staff will likely increase the number of locations. As of February 17, 2026, administrative staff are working remotely while the Leadership Team works to identify temporary locations.

The current buildings for other City Departments/staff include:

  • 90 North Mountain Avenue offices, fleet shop, parks shop (3)
  • Ashland Senior Center 
  • Cemetery office 
  • City Hall 
  • Community Development 
  • Finance Office 
  • Fire Station No. 1 
  • Fire Station No. 2 
  • Lithia Park offices (2) 
  • Lithia Park shop 
  • Municipal Court in Council Chambers 
  • North Mountain Park Nature Center 
  • Oak Knoll Golf Course club house 
  • Oak Knoll Golf Course shop 
  • Police Station 
  • The Grove 
  • Wastewater Plant 
  • Water Treatment Plant 

Operational Challenges

Despite serving a relatively small number of employees, City Hall requires significant operational and maintenance resources. The distribution of City staff across multiple buildings contributes to inefficiencies, higher operating costs and challenges related to coordination, accessibility and service delivery.